Visit of Geoff Hoon, UK Minister for Europe

The United Kingdom Minister for Europe , Geoff Hoon visited the Tribunal today and met with ICTY President Fausto Pocar and Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte.

Minister Hoon stressed United Kingdom 's strong support for the continuing work of the Tribunal and the need for all remaining fugitives to be arrested and transferred to The Hague without delay. He stressed that Radovan Karad¾ić and Ratko Mladić, in particular, should not be under any illusion that they could wait out international justice.

President Pocar thanked Minister Hoon for the continuous support of the UK to the Tribunal and its efforts to successfully fulfil its mission. He emphasised that the Tribunal was at the peak of its activity with 23 accused currently on trial. Pocar and Hoon agreed that the support of the international community remains crucial for achieving the successful and timely completion of
the Tribunal's mandate.

Prosecutor Del Ponte expressed her gratitude for the invaluable support of the European Union. The EU policy of conditionality has been exceptionally successful and has resulted in the transfer to the Tribunal of the vast majority of accused currently standing trial or awaiting trial in The Hague .

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